In the night of AlUla (Ula), the desert silence enveloped everything. Released from the scorching heat of the day, this place turns cool at night, with midnight temperatures feeling quite pleasant. On such a night, I was about to head to Medina on a midnight bus. The departure time was 12:09 AM. However, as that […]
Camels support the lives of people in Arab regions, not just as a tourist attraction When you think of Saudi Arabia, dates and Arabic coffee might first come to mind. However, this country has another beverage deeply rooted in people’s lives since ancient times – camel milk. This milk, which was essential for nomads to
In my previous article, I described AlUla Oldtown during the daytime in midsummer. While the daytime offered a peaceful atmosphere that felt as if time had stopped, battling the heat was unavoidable and truly challenging. In stark contrast to daytime AlUla, this time I’ll introduce its nighttime persona. From around 4 PM, vitality returns to
When thinking of Saudi Arabian tourist destinations, many might picture Riyadh or Jeddah, but lately, AlUla, located in the northwest region, has been steadily gaining attention. This area, rich in ancient history, is surrounded by desert and rocky mountains, with UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout. In this article, I’ll share my experience exploring the
In Al Balad, Saudi Arabia. Trying the local traditional drink “Sobia”. When traveling to Saudi Arabia, one of the first surprising cultural differences is the drinking customs. Unlike neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, alcoholic beverages are completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, travelers cannot enjoy wine or beer with their
Summer in the Arabian Peninsula’s desert is famously known for its extreme heat, especially from June to August when temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F) almost daily and sometimes approach 50°C (122°F). However, unlike Japan’s humid summer heat, the summer in Arab and Middle Eastern regions is characterized by extremely low humidity despite the very high temperatures.
Saudi Arabia is home to numerous sacred wells, and among them, the “Ghars Well” (بئر غرس) located in Medina holds special significance for visitors. This well is believed to have been favored by Prophet Muhammad, and its water is thought to have special properties. In this article, I’ll share my experience of actually drinking this
In my previous article, I provided a detailed report about encountering white Arabic coffee in Saudi Arabia. This time, I’ll introduce recommended cafes and restaurants in major Saudi Arabian cities while exploring the charm of white Arabic coffee that can be enjoyed throughout the country. I’ll take you through cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and
Among the unique items you might encounter during your travels, many are filled with the culture and customs of the region. The “Tasbih Clicker” often seen in Middle Eastern markets and souvenir shops is one such item. At first glance, it may look like just a counter, but it’s actually an important tool that supports
The charm of Jeddah’s historic district, Al Balad, lies in its unique atmosphere and traditional food culture that has continued since ancient times. Continuing from my previous article, I visited “فرن الشيخ” (Furn Al Sheikh), Jeddah’s oldest bakery established over 100 years ago, to taste traditional Arabic bread called “khobz.” Read my previous article here: